The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.
For some people, hearing “when you get a chance” automatically gives him or her an out to not do what is being asked because he or she can just respond, “Sorry, I never got the chance.” But then there are people like Kristie Bass, who, upon hearing “when you get a chance” is akin to hearing a starter’s pistol and the race doesn’t stop until the task is completed. That probably explains how she has risen up the ladder from frontline collector to compliance manager. Read on to learn more about Kristie and her drive and forthrightness.
Name: Kristie Bass
Company: Midwest Fidelity Services, LLC
Job Title: Compliance Manager
Length of time at current position: Seven years
Length of time in industry: Nine years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started out as a front line collector.
What is your career highlight so far?
Developing a training system and compliance position from scratch
When or how are you most productive?
If I am given a task and can be in a room alone, I will get it done in no time.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Susan Donham
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Never give up, and follow through. (This one is hard)
What do you like most about this industry?
How everyone is willing to help each other. Everyday is different.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Change the stigma of debt collectors as being bad. And prove we are a help to the economy.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Opening and running a battered women’s shelter
Describe a typical work day.
First comes coffee. Then, I respond to consumer disputes, review compliance calls, review policies, and create or recreate as necessary, (COVID) listen in on ACA’s Daily Huddle, monitor calls, and troubleshoot our reps’ IT issues. I report daily to executives on changes that are needed and share ideas on how flow can be altered. I update state laws and regulations and verify licensing. I could go on. I like to stay busy. I am on a new project every day. If my boss says, ‘When you get a chance …” he knows, I will be on it right then and there and he will have results by the end of the day, if possible. If not, I am not sleeping that night. I am very determined.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Crafting.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t give up. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are.
What are you currently reading?
ACA Searchpoint on Credit Reporting. ( Like I have time for a book)
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I did not complete college. I started from the front line.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Anyone who is new to collection compliance.
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.
